I didn’t even know Clinique had a new mascara until a sample showed up in my mailbox last week. And after twisting off the cap and removing the wand from the tube, I thought I had received a defective product. I was expecting to see your standard issue mascara brush; instead, I met a curved, neon green, plastic applicator with teeth. Wait, I take that back. The comb isn’t exactly curved; it’s more limpy. It leans. Anyway, I took one look at the wand and said to myself, “Oh here we go again. Another gimmicky mascara, just what the beauty world needs.” But then I tried it, and quickly changed my presumptuous tune. Before I tell you about my change of heart, I just want to go on record as saying, “Sorry to have ever doubted you, Clinique.”

Left eye: with Clinique High Lengths Mascara
Right eye: sadly, without (doesn’t it look pathetic?)

As promised, Clinique High Lengths Mascara took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW! Seriously, they went on for-ev-er. The formula also imparted just the right about of volume – dramatic, yet believable. Since the comb doesn’t pick up a lot of product, you’ll find High Lengths to be much less wasteful than traditional mascara. And the leaning tower of green teeth did a great job of coaxing my wayward lashes into a curl.

Ever heard the theory about the flap of a butterfly’s wings affecting weather patterns thousands of miles away? Well, I have a hypothesis of my own. I’m pretty positive that the flutter of my fab fringe is responsible for this weekend’s predicted Nor’easter.

Thanks, Clinique High Lengths Mascara! Sorry about the storm, y’all.

Without cosmetic help, my lashes are pretty much nonexistent. They are so stumpy and sparse, I don’t know why they even bother showing up. So when I’m in the market for a new mascara, I’m not satisfied with one that merely lengthens or volumizes. I only add a mascara to the collection if it delivers both…and if, in the immortal words of L.L. Cool J, it’s “doin it and doin it and doin it well.”

Recently, the beautiful folks at Dior sent me their newest mascara – DiorShow Extase – to try on for size. And let me tell you…not only is this getting added to the Spoiled Pretty collection, it’s going in heavy rotation. This mascara performs so well, it’s enough to make ole L.L. lick his lips. Allow me to describe what the latest DiorShow is working with…

First, Extase gave me lash volume where none existed. Dior chalks it up to “spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application.” Now, I don’t know nuthin’ about no special pigments and powders…but I will say that the ingredients in their magical mascara formula fatten the lashes quite nicely. In fact, Extase pumps up the volume so well, it made me think of the old SNL skit Hans and Franz. If those two quit bodybuilding and got into the cosmetics game, this might be the mascara they’d concoct.

Lashes with DiorShow Extase (left); nekkid lashes (right)

Though Dior doesn’t really advertise this, Extase does a fantabulous job of lengthening and curling lashes. I was actually more impressed with this than its volumizing abilities. It took even my tiniest baby lashes and transformed them into long and lithe versions of their former selves. As I type this, the lashes on my right eye (I left my left eye bare, to act as a control) are brushing against the lenses of my glasses.

Even after it dries, the formula is extra dark and glossy. My eyelashes are naturally black, and I noted how inky and lush Extase made my lashes look. So I can imagine that you gals with light lashes are really going to love it. It also wears very well; it doesn’t flake or smudge. And the few times I absentmindedly rubbed at my eyes, it didn’t do anywhere.

Finally, Dior promises that Extase’s SR38 Patented Ceramid helps to reconstruct damaged lashes and promotes stronger and fuller lashes. I’ve only been using it a few days, so I can’t say if there’s any truth to that claim. But even if it doesn’t rebuild and strengthen your fringe, its aforementioned perks are well worth the price of admission ($28).

Right now, DiorShow Extase Mascara is a Sephora exclusive, and only available to Beauty Insiders. The rewards program is free, so why not sign up?

This November, Bobbi Brown introduces her new Extreme Party Mascara – the first ever all-day layer-able mascara!

“For women who want the dramatic look of false lashes without the hassle.” – Bobbi Brown

Why is it different? Thanks to Bobbi’s new “re-activation” formula, each new coat of Extreme Party Mascara remains as clean and buildable as the first – whether you choose to go bolder right away or ten hours later.

* Between fresh coats, lashes stay separated and soft.
* Lashes continue to get thicker and bolder without clumping or flaking every time you want to layer on more volume and length.
* Tapered, two-fiber brush grabs even small, hard-to-reach lashes.
* Dries fast to a smudge-proof, flake-proof finish.
* Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E.
* Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. Safe for contact wearers.
* Removes easily with eye makeup remover or face soap and water.

Extreme Party Mascara is available in black from bobbibrown.com and Bobbi Brown counters now.